Health Department Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus

The Rhode Island Department of Health reported Wednesday afternoon that a man in his fifties from Providence County has been  diagnosed with West Nile Virus. The man first developed symptoms on Aug. 25 and was hospitalized the same day. He has recovered and has been discharged from the hospital.

“This is yet another reminder that this is the time of year when there are more mosquitoes, and Rhode Islanders are at increased risk for exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile,” said Director of Health Dr. Michael Fine. “It is imperative that anyone who spends a lot of time outside use bug spray with DEET. When possible, it is best to avoid outdoor activity at dawn and at dusk when mosquitoes are most active. It is also important to make sure there is no standing water in our yards or in other public gathering places.”

To date this year, one mosquito pool in Rhode Island has tested positive for West Nile. No mosquito pools in the state have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). For information about mosquito-borne diseases or weekly surveillance reports, visit the health department website.